MEP Gyöngyösi: What is the rule of law and why is it so important? – VIDEO
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Hungarian MEP Márton Gyöngyösi (Non-Attached Member of the European Parliament) shares his views on the importance of the rule of law.
“I’m often asked to explain what exactly the rule of law is and why it’s important enough for the European Union to tie the payment of Hungary’s funds to it.
The answer is quite simple: the rule of law means that the laws and rules apply to everyone equally, and if a politician or a party violates this principle, they will have to answer for it to the court and the voters as well.
It is not true that “the powerful can always do as they please everywhere”. That is the case in Hungary and some third-world countries now, but not in most European states. It doesn’t mean that power is never abused in other EU countries, but the fact of the matter is that such abuse is persecuted there, while it is promoted in Hungary, unfortunately.
Where there is no rule of law, in other words, where there are no clear laws that apply to everyone, where you need political connections to advance in your life, where businesses compete for the good graces of politicians rather than customers, there will never be a welfare society.
We have never seen a dictatorship that could provide long-term and steady welfare for its population for decades.
EU countries became so wealthy because they recognized this rule and put the ultimate power in the hands of the law rather than an authoritarian ruler. That’s why it’s reasonable that the EU does not want to stuff authoritarian rulers’ pockets with the money that is due to the Hungarian people.”
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Disclaimer: the sole liability for the opinions stated rests with the author(s). These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Parliament.